Hearing these words, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and Ning Rongrong were actually mentally prepared. After all, Gu Xuan had never actively pursued Zhu Zhuqing; rather, she had been "miraculously" delivered into his arms this time.
Zhu Zhuqing's beauty was on par with theirs, and in terms of figure, she was a complete landslide. While even Ye Lingling was only a C-cup, Zhu Zhuqing had reached a terrifying D. Between her stunning looks, that overwhelming "D-Will," and her literally throwing herself into his embrace, it was inevitable that Gu Xuan would be moved.
Furthermore, the elders of the three ladies had all told them that for a genius like Gu Xuan, having several confidantes was perfectly normal. If not for anything else, it was necessary simply to continue his bloodline of terrifying talent. The only downside was that Gu Xuan was already fifteen and hadn't initiated anything physical with them yet—he was more than capable of fathering children at this age, but he possessed remarkable self-restraint.
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing's heart was racing. Hearing Gu Xuan's words, which were no different from a confession, she saw hope for her life once again. She wasn't stupid; she knew that if she didn't seize this opportunity, her future would remain a bleak uncertainty.
Despite facing Gu Xuan's three fiances, Zhu Zhuqing cast aside her timidity. She stood up and walked to Gu Xuan's side to face the three ladies.
"Zhuqing greets the three sisters. Though it is abrupt, I love Brother Gu just as you do. Before, I wasn't sure of his feelings, but now I am. Therefore, I hope the three sisters can give Zhuqing a chance," she said, bowing deeply and speaking from the heart.
"My birth dictated my future, but I want to break free from the shackles of fate. I want to pursue my own love and life. I will not be a burden to Brother Gu, and I certainly won't be an enemy to the three sisters. I only hope to have a place in this large family."
She then looked firmly at Gu Xuan and said seriously, "I will provide the answer through my actions." Her love for such an excellent man wasn't baseless; it was the result of Gu Xuan striking the chords of her heart time and time again. While a part of her deep down relied on him to escape her family, her primary drive was her willingness to act and sacrifice for him.
Hearing this, the three ladies—who understood the cold-blooded policies of the Star Luo Empire—were slightly moved. Though they were somewhat annoyed that another person was "cutting in line" (especially since Li Li was still in the picture!), they found it hard to hate a girl as strong-willed as Zhu Zhuqing. Such a life was indeed a heavy burden to carry.
Gu Xuan was also somewhat taken aback. He truly hadn't realized that Zhu Zhuqing had harbored such thoughts for so long. She rarely spoke to him, but then again, how could a girl like her ever be expected to make the first move? If not for this accident, she might never have spoken her heart, and he might never have known.
Just then, another figure burst through the door: Li Li. She had been listening silently outside, but hearing Zhu Zhuqing's bold declaration, she could no longer hold back. If even Zhu Zhuqing was that brave, how could she continue to be a coward? If she didn't speak up now, the others would be having kids while she was still "secretly" in love!
In her mind, it was a secret; in reality, even a blind man—and certainly Gu Xuan—could see it. He simply hadn't brought it up because of his current fiancée.
As Li Li entered, the eyes of the four women locked onto her. Gu Xuan looked helpless; he already knew what she was going to say. Sure enough, Li Li walked straight to him and looked into his eyes with deep affection.
"Brother Gu, I love you too. Although... my talent doesn't compare to the three sisters, my sincerity is no less. Since Brother Gu can give this sister a chance, why can't you give me one?" She glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, feeling a bit self-conscious after noticing the "D-Will," but she quickly steadied herself. "Although I'm not as... full-figured as this sister, different figures have different benefits. Can you give me a chance too?"
After saying this, she blushed and stared at her toes, her fingers twisting together nervously.
Gu Xuan felt like his head was about to explode. He didn't know how to refuse any of the five girls in the room. The first three were already locked in via engagement, but having Zhu Zhuqing and Li Li tag-team him at once was a massive headache. Zhu Zhuqing also looked down sheepishly; girls naturally compared themselves, and she was clearly the "leader" of the group in that specific department. Even the "Big Sister," Dugu Yan, was only a C-cup.
After thinking for a moment, Gu Xuan decided to stop hiding his inner feelings. He was a red-blooded young man; there was no need to force a "noble and pure" persona. If he liked them, he liked them. One lives only once—why not live happily?
He laughed helplessly and looked at Li Li and Zhu Zhuqing. "You two..."
The two girls looked up expectantly.
"You have no sense of timing!" Gu Xuan teased. Their hearts skipped a beat in worry. Did he mean "no"?
"If you're going to confess, you should do it behind the backs of my three beautiful, lovely fiances whom I love deeply and cannot live without. Although I like both of you and want to have children with you, how can I be so bold as to agree right in front of them?"
Dugu Yan, Ning Rongrong, and Ye Lingling's expressions turned strange, shifting between disdain and suppressed smiles. They hadn't expected him to be so blunt. Yet, hearing his words, their hearts felt warm. Even though they knew he was flattering them, how could they truly stop him? He hadn't actively chased other women, and he had even replaced the female servants with men to ease their minds.
Realizing he truly cared for the two, the three sisters decided right then and there that while they would accept them, they would definitely be the ones making the rules. After all, Gu Xuan might not go looking for "meat," but this dog of a man certainly didn't turn down what was served!
Zhu Zhuqing and Li Li's eyes lit up. This was as good as a "yes." Li Li immediately cozied up to the three fiancés.
"Big Sister, Sister Rongrong, Sister Lingling, you heard him! If you don't agree, Brother Gu won't dare take me! Please be generous and agree. We've been sisters for so long; you wouldn't want to see me pining away in sorrow, would you?" Li Li had lost all shame; for the sake of being with him, she'd say anything.
Dugu Yan sighed and flicked Li Li's forehead. "Li Li, I didn't expect you to threaten your sister. Fine! But since you're the junior, you'll be the last to go to bed, and only after you've washed all our feet!"
Instead of being upset, Li Li was overjoyed. "Yes! Whatever Big Sister says!"
Gu Xuan's face twitched. 'Shouldn't I be the head of the household? Shouldn't the feet being washed be mine?' he thought, but he wisely kept his mouth shut. If the girls sorted out their own hierarchy, it would save him a lot of trouble.
Zhu Zhuqing whispered timidly, "Can... Can I be behind Li Li?"
Dugu Yan walked over and took Zhu Zhuqing's hand, her gaze sweeping briefly over the "D-Will" before she said softly, "Zhuqing, if you've made up your mind, show us your sincerity. I don't mind another woman by Xiao Xuan's side, but if that woman only drags him down, I'll kick her out without hesitation. Do you understand?"
"I understand. Thank you, sister, for giving me this chance."
Dugu Yan patted her head. "Don't be so stiff. We're all sisters now. You should thank Xiao Xuan; if you want to escape your family fate, you'll need him to back you up."
Zhu Zhuqing bowed to Gu Xuan. "Brother Gu, I will never drag you down."
Gu Xuan smiled and sent Dugu Yan a grateful look. He turned to Zhu Zhuqing and said softly, "Zhuqing, Yanzi is right. No need to be stiff. You admire me, I like you—we are family now." He gave her a "head-pat kill" and continued, "Starting today, you are my fourth girlfriend. I'll arrange the engagement later. When the tournament ends, stay with me. I'll have my grandfather pay a visit to your family in Star Luo. I believe that when a Titled Douluo personally delivers the betrothal gifts, the Zhu Clan won't have the courage to try and take you back."
Hope flared in Zhu Zhuqing's heart, stronger than ever before. She pulled Gu Xuan into a hug. Even though she was 1.7 meters tall, she looked small against Gu Xuan's two-meter frame.
(End of Chapter)
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